Con Ed prepares for possible storm damage to equipment - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Con Edison says they're preparing for the possibility that Hurricane Sandy will cause damage to both its overhead and underground energy-delivery equipment. 

The company is urging its customers to take safety precautions in the event of the equipment damage. The storms strong winds are likely to knock down trees into overhead lines and transformers, causing customers to lose power.

Con Ed said it's preparing for the possibility that it will have to shut down underground electrical distribution equipment if the storm surge floods low-lying areas, including parts of lower Manhattan.  

The company may have to reduce steam service to buildings in flooded areas by shutting down underground equipment. This will allow Con Ed to avoid extensive damage and allow company crews to restore power to customers more quickly.  

Con Edison will have extra crews ready to respond to any problems that occur with the electric, gas and steam systems caused by the storm. Thousands of company employees and field crews will be working around the clock to restore power. Con Ed says they have nearly 500 outside utility contractors available to assist with storm restoration, and is working to have additional mutual assistance from utilities in other states.  

Customers can report downed power lines, outages, and check service restoration status by computer or mobile device at www.conEd.com. They also can call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, it is helpful if customers have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power. Customers who report outages will be called by Con Edison with their estimated restoration times as they become available.  

In the event the hurricane hits our area, Con Edison offers the following safety tips: 

• If you see downed electrical wires, do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water.
• Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait for emergency personnel. 
• If your power goes out, turn off all lights and appliances to prevent overloaded circuits when power is restored.  
• Check to make sure your flashlights and any battery-operated radios are working. Also, make sure you have a supply of extra batteries. Weather updates and news on power outages can be heard on most local radio and television stations. 
• Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is still frozen. Every time you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing process. Most fully loaded freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.